Dec. 2004 - Senegal signs a peace deal with rebels in the southern province of Casamance. The rebel Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) has fought a low-level insurgency for greater autonomy for the largely Christian and animist region since 1982. Hundreds have been killed.

Dec. 2006 - Senegal agrees to extend EU border patrols along its coast to stem a flood of illegal migrants to the Canary Islands. Senegal is a favourite starting point for migrants.

Feb. 2007 - Wade wins new presidential elections, with 55.9 percent of valid votes, after the Constutional Court throws out an appeal by two opposition parties over alleged irregularities.

May 2009 - Wade names a new government, notably including his son Karim, despite losses in March local government elections which dealt a blow to the Wade family.

-- The new government, led by Prime Minister Souleymane Ndene Ndiaye, took over from Cheikh Hajibou Soumare, after Wade's party lost control of the council in Dakar and several other key cities.

Dec. 2009 - Police in the mostly Muslim country break up a protest outside Dakar's cathedral after Catholics accused Wade of making disparaging comments about Jesus.

-- Wade's dispute with the small but influential Catholic community was the latest twist in a controversy over Wade's personal plan for a huge monument overlooking Dakar that depicts the "African renaissance". The giant statue was finally unveiled in April 2010 and Wade brushed aside complaints that the $28 million project was a waste of money and un-Islamic.

June 2011 - Senegal is rocked by protests over power cuts that catalysed anger against Wade, who calls in the army to suppress them after riot police are overwhelmed.

-- The riots followed anti-government protests after Wade tried to make changes to the constitution that his rivals said would make it easier for him to win re-election in February polls. Wade quickly backed down.

-- Wade's critics said changes to the constitution in 2001 barred him from a third term. His backers argued the changes could not be applied retroactively to his election in 2000, meaning he had scope for one more mandate.

Dec. 2011 - The ruling PDS party chooses Wade as its candidate for the Feb. 26 election.

Jan. 2012 - Musician Youssou Ndour says he is standing as candidate in opposition to Wade.

- Senegal's top constitutional body rules on Jan. 27 that Wade is eligible to stand for a third term. The court also rejects Ndour's presidential bid.

-- The ruling sparks protests across the country and one policeman is killed.

-- On Jan. 28 the opposition says it will make the country "ungovernable" if Wade insists on running for a third term. (Reporting by David Cutler, London Editorial Reference Unit) ($1 = 0.7601 euros)